Sales for the first half of the year increase to SEK 965.5 million. Operating profit for the same period increases to SEK 121.4 million. In the second quarter of the year, sales increase to SEK 477.2 million. Cash flow for the first half of the year amounts to SEK 137.3 million and liquid assets total SEK 110.3 million. This means that our financial position remains strong. During the quarter, as announced earlier, we divested our holding in Westend Affärscentrum Oy, which is our former office space in Finland. The divestment generated a profit of SEK 22.8 million.

“As usual, the second quarter is seasonally weak with extra days off and leave. This year even more challenging compared to last year’s second quarter, with significantly less time. All in all, the first half of the year we deliver strong earnings in Finland, while in Sweden we do not live up to our expectations. To some extent, developments in Sweden were affected by weaker demand from the public sector and locally in the telecom sector in Blekinge,” says Lars Stugemo, President and CEO of HiQ. 

HiQ has today entered into an agreement with YIT to sell HiQ’s holdings in Westend Affärscentrum OY. The divestment will result in a gain of approximately SEK 20 million, which will be booked in the second quarter 2019.

Net sales during the first quarter increases with 3 percent and amount to SEK 488.3 (474.4) million. Operating profit for the same period amounts to SEK 55.1 (52.1) million, an increase with 6 per cent. HiQ’s financial position is solid. Cash flow during the quarter amounts to SEK 61.5 million and liquid assets total SEK 232.8 million. At the end of the quarter we are 1,601 employees at HiQ. The General Meeting decides a dividend of SEK 3.35 per share. A total of
SEK 187 million.

“Overall, earnings for the quarter are quite good. We are growing and profits are increasing. In Finland, the quarter is very strong. In Sweden, we do not reach our full potential. In Gothenburg, quarterly earnings are good, and we clearly see positive results from the measures we took last year. And as we proudly celebrate 20 years as a listed company, we have also done our 65th profitable quarter in a row. Since HiQ’s listing, we have delivered profit in 80 of 81 quarters,” says Lars Stugemo, CEO and President of HiQ.